Comments on: Darko’s magical journey

By: Defending the Darko pick (again) | Detroit Bad Boys

Defending the Darko pick (again) | Detroit Bad Boys — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:48:57 +0000

[…] For the first time, I just read a national columnist articulate everything that I’ve always said about the Pistons selecting Darko Milicic over Carmelo Anthony in 2003. I tip my hat to you, Sam Smith. […]

By: One step forward, two steps back? at Detroit Bad Boys

One step forward, two steps back? at Detroit Bad Boys — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 15:04:30 +0000

[…] « Darko’s magical journey […]

By: Sarah Miller

Sarah Miller — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 12:46:22 +0000

Matt - you have an excellent point in that Darko played a mysterious and perhaps even critical role in the team dynamic of 2004. Carmelo who???

By: Fadel

Fadel — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 05:30:14 +0000

I wish Darko the best. I think he can warm the bench for Dwight Howard just as good as he did for Rasheed Wallace. Darko needs to realize the thing that’s holding him down is the level of his confidence. It’s pretty much non-existent. It does not require playing time to have confidence. Look at Jason Maxiell — even he comes out looking very confident in his game. Darko usually enters games looking flat and unmotivated for some reason. Once Darko becomes a man, I will have hope for him.

By: Ian Cameron

Ian Cameron — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 01:57:17 +0000

Farlane, agreed. This move wouldn’t have been made if the decision on backup point wasn’t already decided or close. Every win needed at this point, so to chance it with no plan would be ridiculous.

By: comstock

comstock — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 01:24:47 +0000

Excellent article! But I’m sad that we will no longer be able to light up the human victory cigar… Don’t they have some good point guards on the Cuban National team?

By: farlane

farlane — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 21:33:46 +0000

re: Now…what does Joe D have up his sleeve for a backup PG??

Just got a radio report from a Joe D interview. Joe said Acker was a potential as the PG, but that he also was looking at Brevin Knight and a few others. I gotta think whoever it is is already in the bag (or close).

By: kramer

kramer — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 17:44:14 +0000

I, for one, will be rooting for Darko big time every game he isn’t playing against the Pistons. I think he still has all the talent, hopefully he gets some more playing time.

Now…what does Joe D have up his sleeve for a backup PG??

By: Christine

Christine — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 16:54:53 +0000

Great insight! Transitioning from one level of excellence to another takes time. Maturity takes time and lots of personal support, especially when one is in a new country and culture. Darko may yet bloom as a person and a player, and we must remember that he is still very young! How many of us at his age would even consider leaving all to reach for a goal as lofty as his? I predict he will grow and mature into a man who has personal integrity, values, as well as skill that reach far beyond most because he was willing to risk so much as a 17 year old.

By: Katie

Katie — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 16:51:08 +0000

Definitely no ill will for Darko and his move, but I also won’t regret him leaving. As everyone has said, he wasn’t right for the Pistons. Hopefully he’ll turn it up a bit in Orlando.

Side note: Millionaire Matt Watson? What a scary thought.

By: Jason

Jason — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 16:42:30 +0000

Excellent take, Matt. JoeD really was playing with the house’s money with the Darko pick. In 2003, no one knew that he should have gambled on Wade or Bosh instead.

I’m not too worried about Darko turning into the next Jermaine O’Neal. Jermaine didn’t get the minutes in Portland (thanks to Sheed’s presence), but at least he looked good when he was on the floor.

By: JONESONTHENBA

JONESONTHENBA — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 16:15:48 +0000

Great post Matt. I think people need to keep in mind that Darko never really had a chance to play. He’s behind both Wallaces and McDyess. That doesn’t mean he is bad. It just means he’s on a very good team that had for him at the momment. The Pistons have to free up cap space to re-sign Ben and Chuancey. That is the only reason they made this deal. The combo of Darko and Dwight Howard should be fun to watch…

By: Natalie

Natalie — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 15:38:45 +0000

Nice read Matt. We all know Darko is better off, lets hope he takes advantage of his situation now.

By: farlane

farlane — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 11:59:56 +0000

Great post, Matt. Darko has behaved surprisingly well. Folks should also remember that he spoke about 6 words of English when he arrived.